Olympic torch: Relay runner to cross Tamar Bridge

Locog had said it could not close the bridge for an open handover of the flame

A runner is to carry the Olympic torch the whole way across the Tamar Bridge after a change of plan by organisers.

Previous plans by organising committee Locog would have seen the flame carried part way across the bridge from Saltash in Cornwall before it was put in a van and driven to Plymouth in Devon.

But those proposals were criticised by councillors in Saltash and Plymouth.

Locog has confirmed the flame will now be taken across the bridge in the open during the torch relay on Saturday.

Locog has said it cannot allow a full flame handover between runners on the bridge because it would involve too much of a delay on a major traffic route, closing four traffic lanes and halting traffic in both directions.